Rabbi Elya Svei Passes Away

Rabbi Elya Svei, the retired head of the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, passed away Thursday. A primary student of Rabbi Aharon Kotler, Rabbi Svei was a son-in-law of Rabbi Avraham Kalmanovitz, the founder of the Brooklyn branch of the Mir Yeshiva.

Rabbi Svei was internationally known for his incisive, brilliant and clear lessons, and his ability to offer sage advice to thousands of Jews worldwide. Until his recent illness, he was regarded as one of the foremost leaders of hareidi Jewry.

Following a midday funeral observance at the yeshiva, the rabbi's remains were brought to JFK Airport for a 5:00 pm EDT ceremony, before being flown to Israel for burial.